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Vt. House advances tax increase bill

By Associated Press

Published On: Mar 27 2013 07:52:33 PM EDT

MONTPELIER, Vt. -

The Vermont House has advanced a wide-ranging package of tax increases that will raise collections from upper-income households, levy the sales tax on soda and candy and add 50 cents to the tax on a pack of cigarettes, among other things.

Supporters say the package is needed to meet a variety of needs for new revenues, ranging from increased child care subsidies to money for low-income heating assistance.

But critics spent much of Wednesday afternoon complaining that the new levies - especially those on retail sales - would send more business to low-tax New Hampshire.

The new taxes - about $27 million worth in 2014 - follow House passage of an increase in the Vermont gasoline tax.

The measure awaits final House approval before going to the Senate.

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